BOSTON, MA - MAY 07: Billy Hamilton #6 of the Cincinatti Reds poses for a portrait prior to the interleague game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 7, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

June 2, 2014

Here’s my second installment of ‘Pictures of the Month’. This month I started a personal project, photographing some of baseball’s biggest stars and interesting athletes, before batting practice even gets started. I’ve never been much of a portrait photographer but it’s a skill that is important to me and something I need to work on. So I suppose you could say this is the best and easiest way for me to quickly learn how to direct and interact with portrait subjects on the fly – given about a minute with each player.

So here are a few of those portraits along with some of my favorite images from May – enjoy!

BOSTON, MA – MAY 07: Todd Frazier #21 of the Cincinatti Reds poses for a portrait prior to the interleague game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 7, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 20: (Editor’s note: Image has been converted to black and white.) Jose Bautista #19 of the Toronto Blue Jays poses for a portrait prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 20, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 18: (Editor’s note: Image has been converted to black and white.) Austin Jackson #14 of the Detroit Tigers poses for a portrait prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 18, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 03: Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his tying goal in the third period with teammates Brad Marchand #63 and Dougie Hamilton #27 against the Montreal Canadiens in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 3, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 01: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins collides with Francis Bouillon #55 and Alexei Emelin #74 of the Montreal Canadiens in the third period in Game One of the Second Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 1, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 01: Johnny Boychuk #55 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his goal in the third period against the Montreal Canadiens to force overtime in Game One of the Second Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 1, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 01: Francis Bouillon #55 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates his goal in the third period with teammate P.K. Subban #76 against the Boston Bruins in Game One of the Second Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 1, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 01: Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins and David Desharnais #51 of the Montreal Canadiens face off in the third period in Game One of the Second Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 1, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 06: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox walks up to the plate in the first inning against the Cincinatti Reds during the interleague game at Fenway Park on May 6, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 06: Members of the Cincinatti Reds stretch prior to the interleague game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on May 6, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 06: Grady Sizemore #38 of the Boston Red Sox is mobbed by teammates including Will Middlebrooks #16 and Jonathan Herrera ##10 after hitting his walk-off hit in the bottom of the 12th inning against the Cincinatti Reds during the interleague game at Fenway Park on May 6, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 17: Martin Bowes #12 and Jordan Burke #5 of the Boston Cannons walk off of the field following their 14-6 win against the Charlotte Hounds at Harvard Stadium on May 17, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 29: Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox throws to second base from his knees against the Atlanta Braves during the game at Fenway Park on May 29, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 29: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox is mobbed by his teammates including Brock Holt #26 after hitting the walk-off game-winning RBI single in the 9th inning against the Atlanta Braves during the game at Fenway Park on May 29, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 31: Jonny Gomes #5 of the Boston Red Sox jumps for a fly ball in left field but fails to come up with it in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Fenway Park on May 31, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 31: Sean Rodriguez #1 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws a ground ball to first base against the Boston Red Sox during the game at Fenway Park on May 31, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MAY 31: Jackie Bradley Jr. #25 of the Boston Red Sox leaps for a fly ball in center field before missing the catch and allowing a run to score in the 8th inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Fenway Park on May 31, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

May 6, 2014

Runners make their way down Boylston Street near the finish line during the 2014 B.A.A. Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Hey All,

I’ve decided to start a blog post at the beginning of every month with some of my favorite sports images from the previous month. This should make growing as a photographer a bit easier to see things on a monthly basis instead of only looking back at the end of every year. I think it can also help prevent your daily body of work from becoming stale, especially when covering the same venue almost every day, by seeing exactly what it is that you have and haven’t shot and maybe how you can make those first attempts at photos better the second time around.

I hope to get as many opinions on my work from as many photographers as possible, regardless of their genre. So please feel free to comment on the blog, Facebook, Twitter, or send me an email (jared@wickphotography.com)!

With this blog post I’m also unveiling a new redesign of my website that was done by my good friend Joel Hawksley. I also welcome everyone to take a look around and give me your feedback – good or bad!

This month in particular, April, was filled with a lot of Red Sox baseball and Bruins hockey with a small race sprinkled in. Enjoy!

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 21: Meb Keflezighi of the United States crosses the finish line in first place to win the 2014 B.A.A. Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. Meb becomes the first American winner of the Boston Marathon since 1983. Today marks the 118th Boston Marathon; security presence has been increased this year, due to two bombs that were detonated at the finish line last year, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 21: Rita Jeptoo of Kenya reacts after finishing in first place in the women’s division with an official time of 2:28:57 during the 2014 B.A.A. Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. Today marks the 118th Boston Marathon; security presence has been increased this year, due to two bombs that were detonated at the finish line last year, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 15: Two Dorchester residents light their candles during the candlelight vigil for the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings at Garvey Park on April 15, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. Last year, two pressure cooker bombs killed three and injured an estimated 264 others during the Boston marathon, on April 15, 2013. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 18: Rene Rancourt sings the national anthem prior to the game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Boston Bruins in Game One of the First Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 18, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 09: Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox throws to first base against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park on April 9, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 20: Andrej Meszaros #41 of the Boston Bruins flips over Tomas Tatar #21 of the Detroit Red Wings in the third period during the game at TD Garden on April 20, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 20: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his goal with teammate Jarome Iginla #12 in the third period against the Detroit Red Wings during the game at TD Garden on April 20, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 22: Jackie Bradley, Jr. #25 of the Boston Red Sox jumps up for a fly ball at the center field wall but comes up missing it against the New York Yankees during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 22: Grady Sizemore #38 of the Boston Red Sox dives for a fly ball in right field but comes up short against the New York Yankees during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 22: Jacoby Ellsbury #22 of the New York Yankees catches a fly ball in center field against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 22: A.J. Pierzynski #40 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after a broken bat out in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 22: Nate McDonald of Andover, Massachussets holds up a sign during batting practice prior to the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 23: Kelly Johnson #33 of the New York Yankees throws a ground ball to first base before it lands off target in the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox during the game at Fenway Park on April 23, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 23: Mike Carp #37 of the Boston Red Sox attempts to slide and catch a fly ball before coming up short against the New York Yankees during the game at Fenway Park on April 23, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 24: Fans enter the right field bleacher seats prior to the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on April 24, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 24: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees warms up prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on April 24, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 24: Carlos Beltran #36 of the New York Yankees plays against the Boston Red Sox during the game at Fenway Park on April 24, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 26: Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his goal against the Detroit Red Wings in the third period in Game Five of the First Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 26, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham) (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 26: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his goal at the end of the second period against the Detroit Red Wings in Game Five of the First Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 26, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 24: Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox fields a ground ball in the fifth inning agains the New York Yankees during the game at Fenway Park on April 24, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 09: A.J. Pierzynski #40 of the Boston Red Sox walks back to the dugout as the sun sets against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park on April 9, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 06: Pedro Alvarez #24 of the Pittsburgh Pirates warms up in the on deck circle in the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during Game Three of the National League Division Series at PNC Park on October 6, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

January 20, 2014

What a year! A Stanley Cup and a World Series in my backyard here in Boston. A 20-year playoff drought for my Pittsburgh Pirates finally ended. And I documented an awful tragedy that had the overwhelming healing and support of its community and the very sports teams I photograph on a daily basis. Immediately following that was an inspiring showcase of talent and determination of the Wounded Warriors Amputee softball team that was put on display at Fenway Park against the men and women who were among the first responders on April 15th on near the finish line on Boylston Street.

For many, I’m sure that looking at sports photographs is merely for entertainments sake. Some, because of the raw power, skill, and emotion it shows that watching on television or in person may not be able to convey. But for the few who reached out and called, emailed, etc, because they were moved by my pictures for whatever reason, that to me is the best feeling and what I hope to accomplish every day as a photographer. Those messages help solidify why I do what I do for a living.

And as always, I appreciate the ever-continuing support from the photo community that I’m so lucky to be a part of every day.

So, to recap the year that was, here are some of my favorite images from 2013. Enjoy & Happy New Year!

FOXBORO, MA – NOVEMBER 24: The New England Patriots take the field against the Denver Broncos before a game at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 3: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins takes the ice during introductions prior to the home opener game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 3, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

October 9, 2013

It’s TD Garden season again! The Bruins and Celtics are back – here’s my take from the Bruins home opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning:

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 3: Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins stands in the hallway before taking the ice prior to the home opener game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 3, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 3: Jarome Iginla #12 of the Boston Bruins stands in the hallway before taking the ice prior to the home opener game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 3, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 3: Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins stands in the hallway before taking the ice prior to the home opener game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 3, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 3: Patrice Bergeron #37 of the Boston Bruins takes the ice during introductions prior to the home opener game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 3, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 3: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins takes the ice during introductions prior to the home opener game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 3, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 3: Chris Kelly #23 of the Boston Bruins scores past Anders Lindback #39 of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first period on a penalty shot during the home opener game on October 3, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 3: The puck bounces in front of Victor Hedman #77 and Ondrej Palat #18 of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first period during the home opener game on October 3, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 3: Jarome Iginla #12 of the Boston Bruins fights Radko Gudas #7 of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period during the home opener game on October 3, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 3: Anders Lindback #39 of the Tampa Bay Lightning makes a save in the third period during the home opener game on October 3, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 3: A general view of action during the home opener game between the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 3, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 3: Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning hunches over following their 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins during the home opener game on October 3, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

June 27, 2013

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: Members of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate following their 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins during Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

-Cover the Stanley Cup Final clinching game and watch the cup be raised: ✓

With a little less than two minutes to go, I don’t think anyone thought that they’d be cancelling their travel plans back to Chicago for Game 7. Very similar to what the Bruins did to the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the NHL Playoffs, Boston allowed two goals in 17 seconds to ultimately seal their fate and give Chicago their second Stanley Cup in three years.

Here is a gallery of some of my favorite images from the very fun, but long night at TD Garden in Boston covering Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks. Enjoy!

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: A fan of the Boston Bruins dressed as a Nun holds up a sign which reads ‘Jesus Saves But He’s No Tuukka’ in reference to goalie Tuukka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins prior to the Bruins hosting the Chicago Blackhawks in Game Six of the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden on June 24, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: A general view of TD Garden as the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks drop the puck to begin the first period during Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: Nick Leddy #8 of the Chicago Blackhawks carries the puck in front of Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins in the third period during Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: Andrew Shaw #65 of the Chicago Blackhawks lays on the ice following a play in the first period against the Boston Bruins during Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: Viktor Stalberg #25 of the Chicago Blackhawks and Tyler Seguin #19 of the Boston Bruins fight for the puck in the second period during Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins celebrates after scoring a goal in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks during Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: Bryan Bickell #29 of the Chicago Blackhawks scores a goal in the third period past Tuukka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins during Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: Dave Bolland #36 celebrates with teammate Marcus Kruger #16 of the Chicago Blackhawks after scoring the game-winning goal in the third period against the Boston Bruins during Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: Corey Crawford #50 of the Chicago Blackhawks is mobbed by teammates including Johnny Oduya #27, Brandon Saad #20, Andrew Shaw #65, and Nick Leddy #8 of the Chicago Blackhawks after winning 3-2 against the Boston Bruins during Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: Members of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate following their 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins during Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: Tuukka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins talks with Chris Kelly #23 of the Boston Bruins following their 3-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks during Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: Members of the Boston Bruins leave the ice following their 3-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks during Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks hoists the Stanley Cup Trophy after defeating the Boston Bruins in Game Six of the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden on June 24, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Boston Bruins 3-2. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: A Boston Bruins fan takes a photo of the young friends and family members of the Chicago Blackhawks following the Blackhawks 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins during Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 24: Corey Crawford #50 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates with the fans following their 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins during Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final on June 24, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)